With over 28 types of collagens known to scientists, the protein is essential to human health. As innovators in the food, health, sports nutrition and personal care markets, here at Biomega we are continuing to explore the benefits of dietary collagen – specifically types I, II and III – and how they can derive both functional and nutritional health benefits when used in bioactive peptides. Yet before we discuss how we are utilising collagen in our products, let’s look at what it is and how it can benefit our health.

What is collagen?

Derived from the Greek word, the literal translation for collagen means ‘glue’, dating back to its original use where the compound was used to create adhesives. Now, it’s more commonly known as a fibrillar protein that helps to form the connective tissues in the human body. According to modern science, 90% of our hair, skin, nails, organs, bones and ligaments are made up of type I collagen, while type II collagen mainly offers a supportive function and assists the body by building cartilage and maintaining joint, digestive and immune health1. Overall, collagen makes up approximately 30% of protein in the human body and is rich in amino acids, working best when paired with B-vitamins, Vitamin C and hyaluronic acid2.

Growing scientific evidence

The benefits of dietary collagen, especially collagen peptides, are growing in the scientific community. Recent studies have shown that they can offset disease-induced muscle wasting, inhibit age-related muscle decline and promote muscle hypertrophy3. The protein has also been linked to the ability to decrease fat mass and increase fat-free mass to support positive composition changes in the human body3. This is further backed by a recent 12-month randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study where postmenopausal women were given 5g/d collagen peptides, resulting in significant increases in bone mineral density3.

Alongside the growing evidence in bone and joint health, marine peptides which contain collagen and are sourced from seafood by-products, have been explored for their antihypertensive properties. Studies have demonstrated that peptides obtained through collagen hydrolysis from seafood can inhibit the activity of angiotensin-converting enzymes (ACE)4. Since ACE acts as a catalyst in reactions that involve blood pressure regulation, it can increase the risk factor of cardiovascular disease. However, by using marine peptides, this action can be controlled, thereby reducing the risk. In addition, marine peptides are also being explored for their use in the intervention and prevention of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) due to their antihypertensive properties4.

Salmon collagen – a great food source

When it comes to obtaining collagen in our diet, it can be found in many natural food resources, including chicken, egg whites, red and yellow vegetables, beans avocados and soy. However, fish is perhaps one of the best food sources that contain collagen, mainly due to their ability to efficiently absorb several different types. Salmon, especially salmon skin, contains a high concentration of type I collagen alongside the trace mineral zinc, which has been shown to activate the proteins needed for collagen synthesis5. So, when fresh raw salmon materials are naturally and gently converted through Biomega’s sustainable patented hydrolysis process, all their excellent nutritional benefits are retained, producing high-quality bioactive peptides that can be used in human health products.

Our purest peptide yet

Valuing vitality is at the heart of the Biomega brand. That is why we are launching a new bioactive peptide for the human nutrition market this year – and it’s our purest yet. Rich in taurine and trace elements of iodine and selenium, high in B-vitamins and containing salmon collagen, our bioactive peptides are…

  • Perfect for the sports nutrition market as they increase muscle recovery and generation of energy
  • Work wonders for the personal care market as they enhance skin health and promote healthy ageing
  • Tailored for the health and wellness sector as they can aid in the prevention of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease
  • Great for digestive health supplements as they stimulate the immune system and improve gut health

So, if you are looking for a collagen-based supplement to add to your growing human nutrition portfolio and would like more information about our bioactive peptides, contact our sales team today by emailing contact@biomegagroup.com.

References:

1. Gundersen Health, “What is the benefit of collagen in your diet?”, 2021.

2. Charles Patrick Davis, MD, PhD, Medicine.net, “Collagen Diet”, 2020.

3. Colleen S Deane et al, “Animal, Plant, Collagen and Blended Dietary Proteins: Effects on Musculoskeletal Outcomes”, Nutrients 2020, 12(9), 2670; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12092670.
4. Ilknur Ucak et al, “Functional and Bioactive Properties of Peptides derived from marine side streams”, Mar. Drugs 2021, 19(2), 71; https://doi.org/10.3390/md19020071

  1. Seo, Hyun-Ju et al. “Zinc may increase bone formation through stimulating cell proliferation, alkaline phosphatase activity and collagen synthesis in osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells.” Nutrition research and practice vol. 4,5 (2010): 356-61. doi:10.4162/nrp.2010.4.5.356